"At a mile distant their thousand hooves were stuttering thunder, coming at a rate that frightened a man - they were an awe inspiring sight, galloping through the red haze - knee to knee and horse to horse - the dying sun glinting on bayonet points..." Trooper Ion Idriess

The Australian Light Horse Studies Centre aims to present an accurate history as chroniclers of early Australian military developments from 1899 to 1920.

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This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.

6 July 1900 - Friday

Moved out at 6.55 a.m., arrived wagons on the Drinkwater at 8 a.m. distance 3¼ miles, abundance of good water and fuel. Telegraph line crosses road here. Kaffir Kraal and Stables, marched out at 2 p.m., arrived at camping ground distance 7 miles at 4 p.m.. Water very indifferent, fuel abundance. Squadrons arrived at 5 p.m.. Officers instructed in attack on a position by day and by night.

The column crosses the Drinkwater River and sees the native kraals. Night lecture is about attacking a position during day or night.

This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.

5 July 1900 - Thursday

Troops remained in camp during morning to refresh oxen which are becoming weary and weak. Party of Officers out shooting secured fine Buck, 70 lbs weight, sufficed to give soup to men who have had only very inferior tinned meat for some time.

Extensive grassfires on other side of river, this is our great and immediate danger on camp as the grass is 5 to 6 feet long and dry as possible. The weather has changed to very cold and windy. Left camp at 2 p.m., arrived at night camp at 4 p.m. distance 7 miles. Good cover for horses in timber but no water. Troops showed marked improvement in fixing camp, orderly, smart, no trouble about camp bounds which are fixed nightly. Morning very cold and frosty.

The officers hunt for deer to supplement the poor diet the men are suffering. The camp takes until the afternoon to move off on the march as the oxen are weakening through poor feed. Morale is slowly lifting with the addition of venison on that day.

This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.

4 July 1900 - Wednesday

Reveille at 5.30. Squadrons marched out at 6.55 a.m. leading horses arrive at wagons 4 miles distance at 8.20 a.m., horses watered and linked; had luncheon; Troops moved out at 3 arrived at Little Sebakive River at 5 p.m., camped. Had campfire, distance from morning camp 5½. Weather hot, like thunder.

The men marched to their camping ground at Sebakive River with little incident.

This is an extract from the War Diary written by Major David Miller, Adjutant of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen who arrived in the Mozambique port of Biera and then moved to Rhodesia as part of the journey for deployment in South Africa to see action in the Boer War.

3 July 1900 - Tuesday

Reveille at 5.30. Squadrons marched out at 6.55 a.m. leading horses arrive at wagons 4 miles distance at 8.20 a.m., horses watered and linked; had luncheon; Troops moved out at 3 arrived at Little Sebakive River at 5 p.m., camped. Had campfire, distance from morning camp 5½. Weather hot, like thunder. Wagons moved out at 5.30 a.m.. Troops followed at 6.40 a.m., arrived at camp at 8 a.m., distance short 4 miles. Camping grounds destitute of firewood, water 600 yards distant/ "C" Squadron occupied same ground.

The cook of "C" Squadron bakes exceptionally fine bread in an oven consisting of 2 sheets of galvanised iron turned up at the edges all round for 8 inches forming box which is placed on some hot ashes and covered with more. The fire having been made in a pit about 12 inches deep originally.

Troops marched out at 3 p.m. and marched to 1 mile beyond the Stables, a total distance of 5 miles. Camp formed in light timber. Grass on left of road very long, coarse and dry. Men ordered to restrict fires to roadside.

Officers assembled at my fire and discussed disposition of detachment to resist attack at previous camping place; road sketches produced, explained use of compass, and arranged for each officer to take notes of road.

This entry is rather filled with some interesting discoveries, the chief observation related to the ability of the "C" Squadron cook as a bread maker. Miller describes in detail the construction of the cook's bush oven. On a more serious note, the contingent is beginning to feel a sense of unease as they approach potentially hostile territory and so they discuss plans to protect the column from any unexpected attacks.

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